the promise he says his son made in afghanistan. >>> long lines as >>> a fallen soldier arrived home in the bay area today to be laid to rest. nick amper iii died last week in afghanistan. >> reporter: the body of nicanor amper was flown with a full military ceremony. the army staff sergeant and former marine from san jose known as nick died in combat july 6th enmy forces attacked his unit with a rocket propelled grenade in afghanistan. his proud father says he wants his son to be remembered as a strong loving man and a patriot. >> he was a great soldier. he made a promise to make sure that he sent all his men home. and because of it, he took his life for them. >> reporter: escorted by the riders, amper iii i was taken to the mortuary. the state lowered flags this past tuesday once the governor's office was notified of his death. >> it's not like there's thousands of soldiers going down, you know. my son, i mean he's like the one. and they can't get that one right. >> reporter: we informed the governor's office about the family's concern and we got a quick response. >> we were not aw